Chemical leak at Moses Lake silicon plant

A chemical leak at a factory in Moses Lake prompted a brief warning and highway closure for the area Friday.

The leak was reported at the REC Silicon plant off Wheeler Road, near exit 179 on Interstate 90.

A failed hose in the distillation plant led to the release of two types of acid, Silicon tetrachloride and Dichlorosilane, said Jani Gilbert of the Washington State Department of Ecology. Together, the two create Hydrochloric acid when released in the atmosphere, she said.

What appeared to be a large plume of smoke or chemical was visible above the factory when the leak occurred, before 8:00 a.m.

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office initally asked all residents around Wheeler Road to stay indoors, close their windows and turn off their home’s ventilation systems. By 9:30 a.m., spokesman Kyle Foreman said conditions improved enough to lift the warning.

It is unknown what may have caused the accident.

According to the company’s website, REC Silicon has both a solar grade silicon production plant and sales office located in Moses Lake.